The End of Zen?

I will weigh in on today's national argument about the standing of Phil Jackson among great coaches of history.  All of your primary contenders such as Lombardi, Wooden, Bowman, Auerbach had a slew of hall of famers in their field so I totally ignore the point that Jackson "just" won with superior talent.  Jealousy typically rears its ugly head in the form of cheap, bogus arguments.  The bottom line is that Phil Jackson took what he had and made the most of it, the very most to the tune of 11 pro championships.  Read that again, 11 championships.  And, among the hardest thing to do in sports, keep champions motivated, was his specialty as he just fell short of 3-peating an ungodly 4 times.  Phil Jackson brought out the best in great players, which I would argue is harder than bringing out the best in merely good players.  He was asked to keep great teams charging ahead and he did that.  He was paid huge sums to win, and he delivered.  If we judge quarterbacks and centers by their championships, then we should afford the zen master his due.  The best?  Maybe, maybe not.  But, he is on the Mount Rushmore.  Fairwell Coach Jackson.

S